‘Without America, there would be no Israel’ — Trump takes swipe at Netanyahu

United States President Donald Trump has declared that Israel’s survival depends heavily on American support and his administration’s backing, amid growing tensions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over recent military actions in Lebanon.

Trump made the remarks on Tuesday during the G7 Summit in Évian-les-Bains, France, where world leaders gathered to discuss pressing global security and economic challenges.

The US president’s comments come against the backdrop of increasing disagreements between Washington and Tel Aviv over the handling of the regional crisis involving Iran and efforts to preserve a fragile ceasefire across the Middle East.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the summit, Trump stressed the crucial role played by the United States in ensuring Israel’s security and stability, suggesting that American political, military and diplomatic support remains indispensable to the Jewish state.

“Without the United States, and without my leadership, there would be no Israel,” Trump reportedly said, while expressing frustration over recent Israeli military operations that he believes risk undermining broader diplomatic efforts in the region.

The remarks are seen as one of Trump’s strongest public criticisms of Netanyahu since returning to office. Analysts say they reflect growing strains between the two longtime allies over the direction of Israel’s security strategy and the wider conflict involving Iran-backed groups across the region.

The latest disagreement centres on an Israeli strike in Lebanon, which Washington fears could further inflame tensions and jeopardise ongoing efforts to maintain stability following months of escalating hostilities.

Trump has repeatedly argued that diplomacy must be given greater room to succeed, even as his administration continues to affirm America’s commitment to Israel’s security. The White House has also been actively involved in discussions aimed at preventing a broader regional war that could draw in multiple countries.

Netanyahu’s government, however, has maintained that Israel reserves the right to take military action against perceived threats to its national security, particularly from armed groups operating along its northern border.

The public exchange highlights the delicate balance facing both leaders as they navigate security concerns, regional alliances and international pressure to avoid a wider conflict in the Middle East.

Political observers say the dispute could test the traditionally strong relationship between Washington and Tel Aviv, especially at a time when diplomatic efforts to manage tensions with Iran and maintain ceasefire arrangements remain ongoing.

Neither the Israeli government nor the White House immediately announced any change in policy following Trump’s remarks, but the comments are expected to fuel debate about the future direction of US-Israel relations and the broader security situation in the region.